Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

An adolescent with poor school performance and social relationship issues may meet the criteria for:

1. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

2. Adjustment disorder

3. Bipolar Disorder

4. Major Depressive Disorder

The correct answer is: Adjustment disorder

The scenario presented—a pattern of poor school performance coupled with difficulties in social relationships—aligns well with the characteristics of an adjustment disorder. This condition arises when individuals struggle to cope with a significant stressor or change in their lives, which could be school-related, social, or personal. The symptoms typically emerge in response to a specific life event and can manifest as behavioral or emotional challenges. In the case of an adolescent, these issues often transpire during periods of transition, such as moving to a new school, experiencing family changes, or encountering peer pressures. The resultant impact on their academic performance and social interactions can be a direct reflection of their inability to manage these stressors effectively. The symptoms of adjustment disorder can vary widely, but they often manifest as anxiety, depression, or both, primarily in the context of the triggering situation. Hence, recognizing these signs as part of an adjustment disorder helps underscore the impact of environmental factors on the adolescent's mental health and functioning. Other disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder may also contribute to challenges in school and social settings; however, those disorders typically present with a broader range of symptoms or more pervasive patterns that do not necessarily correlate specifically with recent life changes or stressors.